Human remains have been found in search for Chris Baghsarian. Picture: NSW Police

Police have located human remains near a golf course in the search for Sydney grandfather, Chris Baghsarian, who was the victim of a suspected botched kidnapping in Sydney’s north.

The 85-year-old was snatched from his home in North Ryde by a group of masked intruders in the early hours of February 13.

Police launched a massive search for Mr Baghsarian, who they believe was kidnapped in a case of mistaken identity.

Human remains were found in Pitt Town on Tuesday morning.

About 8am Tuesday, detectives confirmed they found human remains near Linwood Golf Club in Pitt Town, about 46km from where Mr Baghsarian was kidnapped.

“Investigations under Strike Force Chobat continue,” police said,.

“No further information is available at this time.”

Police have shut down the road and established a crime scene.

Human remains have been found in search for Chris Baghsarian. picture: 7News

The grim discovery was made 10 days after he was snatched from the house, with detectives fearing he would not be found alive.

“Everyday … the concerns grow, everyday,” Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Marks told reporters last week.

“It’s not a great feeling we have in relation to his health and his survival, so every day O for us is of important.”

On Monday, police revealed a partially burnt-out car which was found on February 16, and had been forensically linked to Mr Baghsarian and the abandoned property in Dural.

The grey Corolla had Victorian registration plates 12Z2BU and was allegedly stolen on February 13.

Police claim the car had cloned number plates DVT 007 before it was found partially burnt-out.

“That vehicle was not burnt out totally, and we were able to establish some forensic links from items inside that car that we can link back to the property in Dural and also to Mr Baghsarian,” police said.

The car was found partially burnt-out. Picture: NSW Police

Days before the burnt-out car was found, police discovered a “makeshift stronghold” at an abandoned property in Dural, where they believe Mr Baghsarian was held.

Inspector Marks told reporters they believed he had been held there “at some stage” during the kidnapping.

He said the property, which was located back from the street, was “derelict” an uninhabited.

“Nobody lives there,” he said.

“It was a suspicious house among other properties in that area that led us to that premises.”

Police said they’d spent the past few days patrolling paddocks in Glenorie, about 15 minutes from where police found the human remains.

Police have desperately searched for the missing man. Picture: NewsWire / Max Mason-Hubers

The grim discovery comes after reports from The Daily Telegraph suggest the man believed to be the real target of the botched kidnapping in Sydney’s north had been identified as Dimitri Stepanyan – a self-described entrepreneur and one-time criminal.

The outlet reported the intended target of the kidnapping was supposed to be a relative of Stepanyan, used to live in the same street as Mr Baghsarian and messaged the Sydney businessman hours after the kidnapping.

Mr Baghsarian was taken from his home on February 13. Picture: NSW Police

The family of the intended target were sent a video showing the hostage’s face covered and hands tied with duct tape.

However, the target’s family did not recognise Mr Baghsarian, and sent a response.

“Dumb dumb error, how did use (sic) get the wrong house,” a text message sent to the kidnappers read.

“My old man would have blown your head off,” another read.

Another message to the kidnappers read: “Good luck, one of your team will give you up.”

Mr Baghsarian’s family said they never received a ransom or demand from the kidnappers.

Superintendent Marks said the elderly man’s family were “devastated” by the kidnapping.

“This is not the world they live in, it’s taken them by shock,” he said.

“They’re anxious, they’re devastated, and they want some answers. That is what we are here for today – to try and get them more answers,” he said.

Dimitri Stepanyan is the suspected target of the kidnapping. Picture: Facebook

Mr Stepanyan, 37, is the owner of multiple businesses, including streetwear brand Proper, which he said was “inspired by Sydney’s dynamic street scene and global fashion trends”.

On his website, which has since been shut for “maintenance”, Mr Stepanyan described himself as a “forward-thinking entrepreneur dedicated to building brands, creating opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of business leaders”.

Proper Streetwear is a popular brand worn by alleged underworld members in Sydney. Picture Supplied

The models have their faces pixelated in campaign images. Picture Supplied

“Whether through collaborations, mentorship, or new business ventures, Dimitri is always striving for the next big breakthrough,” the website read.

His streetwear brand, Proper, sells tshirts, shorts and accessories and features models with their faces pixelated.

Proper Streetwear is a popular brand among alleged members of the Alameddine crime network, including rapper Ali Younes – AKA Ay Huncho – whose former home in Merrylands was peppered with bullets in September 2025.

The phrase “never cross the family” is often featured on the clothing and is allegedly linked to the Alameddine network.

Stepanyan was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the armed robbery of Forestville RSL Club in 2009, where he stole more than $25,000.

He was released from prison in October 2016 after serving seven of his 10-year sentence.

SOURCE: https://au.news.yahoo.com/tragic-end-search-missing-85yo-002132267.html